Discover the perfect balance of juicy meat and a satisfyingly crispy coating with this Southern-inspired air fryer chicken recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Dive into a world where traditional flavors meet modern cooking techniques, delivering a meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
Ingredients For Crispy Southern-Style Air Fryer Chicken
PLAN/PURCHASE
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) hot sauce, such as Frank’s
- 1 – 2 dashes Tabasco sauce (optional)
COATING ITEMS
- 3/4 cup (90 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
- Oil for spraying
How To Make Crispy Southern-Style Air Fryer Chicken
- Prepare Your Equipment: Ensure you have an air fryer or a convection oven ready for use. Additionally, have an oil spray bottle on hand for the best results.
- Marinate the Chicken: Take three bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs and place each piece into separate marinades. For optimal flavor, marinate one batch for 2 hours, another for 24 hours, and the third for 48 hours.
- Evaluate Marinade Times: After marinating, you’ll find that while a 2-hour soak provides some flavor, the 24- and 48-hour marinades offer a richer taste with the perfect balance of buttermilk tang and subtle heat. Conclusion: Marinating for 24 hours strikes the ideal balance between flavor and convenience.
- Organize Your Ingredients: Gather all necessary ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
- Combine Marinade Ingredients: Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag or a non-reactive dish. Add the buttermilk and hot sauce (including Tabasco if desired) to the bag or dish.
- Refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate the chicken for 24 hours, allowing the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to reach the desired temperature.
- Prepare the Coating: After marinating, mix all the coating ingredients in a shallow dish. Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade and thoroughly coat it with the flour and spice mixture. Repeat this process for all pieces you intend to cook at once.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure that the air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded. Each chicken piece should have ample space to cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
Cooking Process:
- Place the coated chicken into the preheated air fryer.
- Cook for fifteen minutes.
- Open the basket and spray the chicken lightly with oil, ensuring no dry spots remain.
- Continue cooking for another fifteen minutes.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken—it should reach 165°F (75°C) to be fully cooked.
- If not yet done, continue cooking, checking every few minutes until the temperature is within 5 – 7 degrees of completion.
- Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (205°C) and cook for an additional 3 – 4 minutes to achieve a crispy skin.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carve the chicken and present it alongside your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
- Final Touches: Add any additional garnishes or sauces as desired to enhance the flavor.
- Stay Inspired: Keep experimenting in the kitchen and enjoy the delicious results of your culinary efforts.
This crispy Southern-style air fryer chicken brings together the best of traditional flavors and modern cooking methods. The marination process ensures each bite is bursting with flavor, while the air fryer guarantees a perfectly crispy exterior without the excess oil. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking!
